An intense finals vibe has arrived four rounds early for Gladstone Park in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association’s George Luscombe Shield.
Sitting fourth on the ladder, the Burras’ run home is anything but easy.
First up, they copped losses to ladder leader Buckley Park and second-placed Pascoe Vale Central.
Clashes with third-placed Kealba-Green Gully and fifth-placed Burnside Springs await them in the final two rounds of the regular season.
Depending on results in the second last round, the match between the Burras and Burnside Springs could decide fourth spot.
Burras coach Andrew Shanahan said after the side’s loss to Pascoe Vale Central the side had battled in the past couple of weeks.
“We’ve struggled with having players overseas,” he said. “We nearly chased down a big target against Buckley Park and then we started well against Pascoe Vale.
“We were 2-94 15 minutes from tea before a couple of brain fades saw us 5-110 and then out for 138. They were 1-40 overnight and we battled hard. We bowled tight, which was all I asked for.”
Pascoe Vale made the runs with ease, finishing 3-140.
Burnside Springs’ shock loss to Northern Lions means the Burras’ destiny is in their own hands.
A win in either of their last two matches will seal a finals spot. And, depending on results, they could still finish in the top two.
Shanahan said the final two rounds would be tricky in terms of selection, with several of the top side’s players unavailable.
Opener Andrew Gavaghan, who has just returned from overseas, has been unwell – a massive blow for the Burras.
“A couple of blokes who are playing are normally second XI guys,” Spencer said.
“We beat Kealba last time we played them and are confident of getting a win against Burnside. Everyone, with possibly the exception of Andrew, should be back for finals.”
Shanahan said opener Matthew Nyhus and Ashan Desilva had been standouts in recent weeks.
Donnybrook’s 323 wasn’t enough for victory against Aberfeldie St Johns.
Shivjot Sandu was the standout for Donnybrook with a career-high 138 not out.
Aberfeldie made the runs with nearly four overs and four wickets to spare after being in trouble at 3-28.
Bottom side Northern Lions accounted for Burnside Springs. Having made 216, the Lions bowled Burnside Springs out for 164. The Lions finished their second innings 3-62.
